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Virginia’s uphill battle
The Virginia Cavaliers are having a challenging season, currently holding a record of 5-4. Despite their winning record, the team’s performance metrics tell a different story. With a net point differential of -27 against FBS opponents, they rank poorly in several key statistics, including a Net Success Rate of -2.1 percent, placing them 99th nationally.
Their struggles are further highlighted by a -0.12 Net EPA per Play margin, which ranks them 115th in the country.
Initially, their four wins in the first five games against teams like Richmond and Wake Forest seemed promising. However, the reality of their performance has set in, as they have only managed to win one of their last three games, suffering significant defeats to Clemson and North Carolina.
The inconsistency of the Cavaliers raises questions about their ability to compete effectively in the remainder of the season.
Notre Dame’s dominance
In stark contrast, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been on a roll since their surprising loss to Northern Illinois.
They have secured seven consecutive victories, boasting an impressive average score of 44-10. Their defense has been particularly formidable, ranking as the best in the nation by EPA per Play allowed. With a top-15 ranking in both sack rate and interceptions, they have proven to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
Virginia’s offensive line has struggled significantly, ranking 116th nationally in sack rate allowed. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea’s recent performance has been concerning, with four interceptions in his last two games. This mismatch in offensive and defensive capabilities sets the stage for a challenging matchup for Virginia against a dominant Notre Dame team.
Key matchups and predictions
As the season progresses, the matchup between Virginia and Notre Dame will be crucial. Notre Dame’s explosive rushing attack, led by dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jeremiyah Love, poses a significant threat to Virginia’s defense, which ranks 118th nationally in EPA per Rush allowed.
The Cavaliers will need to tighten their defense and improve their offensive strategies to stand a chance against the Irish.
In another notable matchup, Arizona State’s one-dimensional offense, heavily reliant on running back Cam Skattebo, faces a tough challenge against Kansas State’s elite front seven. Kansas State’s ability to stop the run will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Meanwhile, BYU’s overvalued status in college football raises concerns about their ability to maintain their winning streak, especially against a resurgent Kansas team that has shown signs of improvement.
As the season unfolds, the contrasting fortunes of teams like Virginia and Notre Dame highlight the unpredictable nature of college football. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these narratives develop in the coming weeks.
